5 Year Thoughts
We officially turned 5 years old this past Sunday … even though we’re not doing anything special until The Next Step series in October, here’s a few (random) thoughts after 5 years:
>I am more convinced than ever that God’s resolve is to bless churches.
>I had no idea what spiritual warfare was 5 years ago.
>Prayer is the Christian and the church’s greatest weapon.
>(As a general rule) Churched, ‘religous’ people are the strongest critics of church plants, innovation in ministry, and bold attempts to spread the Gospel.
>People and churches will always question, criticize, and accuse new and/or growing churches of all kinds of things (being a cult, stealing church members, watering down God’s Word, not talking about sin, etc. etc.) … some things don’t have to be defended, explained, or justified. If God is not in something, it will ultimately fail. If God is in something, nothing can stop it!!!!
>There are many ‘churched’ people who are passionate about Jesus and ready to connect with a church that is going all out for the Great Commission.
>Seeing lives changed by God’s grace, truth & power NEVER gets old and ALWAYS fires me up!
>Vision is the glue that holds a church together.
>When vision is strong … AMAZING … Acts 2 type stuff starts happening.
>Pastors can take time off, should take time off, and better take time off.
>Starting a church in my hometown has been incredible.
>God’s Word never ceases to amaze, inspire, and challenge me.
>I have developed a ‘crutch’ when I preach — the Bible.
>I used to spend tons of time researching other churches, other programs, approaches, etc. … now I am spending more time seeking God. His power is what makes ‘it’ happen!!
>My need to spend time in prayer has INCREASED dramatically over the past 5 years.
>I wish I had developed more relationships with other church planters earlier.
>You can never have enough small groups, volunteers, leaders, or space (especially storage).
>Children and teenagers can & will bring their families to church!!
>A pastor cannot be afraid to “offend” people because at times leadership and love will require you to offend those you lead and love!
>A committed and sold-out volunteer is AWESOME!!
>How cool is it that I get to preach to both my parents and in-laws every week! 
>The next 5 years … WOW!!!